There’s an old saying in Triathlon.

Maybe it didn’t originate in triathlon, nevertheless it still applies.

The NYC Triathlon is a bit of a homecoming, it was the race that started it all 6 years ago.

Much to the angst of my wife and kids. It set me on the path of spandex and lycra.

This is a great race for anyone considering a triathlon. The swim in the Hudson will have you feeling like Michael Phelps. Side note – the Hudson is a river. Therefore very clean as the dirt and bodies flow out of it very quickly.

It’s very cool to have the West Side Highway closed for you and you know the route because you’ve driven it countless times. The run is in your backyard – Central Park. Logistics of the race are a breeze, and the course support is second to none.

My Race.

I arrived at transition at 4:30am as I was racing in the elite corral (right behind the pros) before the age groupers start. This afforded me the opportunity to start over an hour earlier and escape the heat as it climbed throughout the day. Side note – pros have it easy, they finished by 7:45am. While age groupers where on the course at 11am. BIG DIFFERENCE!

While waiting in the starting corral, I take a look at the athletes in my group and try to size up the competition. You see very lanky bodies in speedos, guys with tree trunks for legs, and us humans.

I always tell myself it’s a race to the finish line, not a swim race, then a bike race, then a running race.

As always I try to recruit the swimmers to work together as it’s the only place where you can legally draft. They agreed. I was pumped! Unfortunately, the second the airhorn blew. The adrenaline kicked in and they all shot out like a bat out of hell. Sticking to my strategy, I found some feet and drafted. Letting the mules do the work, I PR’d the swim 😊

Swim Race Tips

Jump off the pier while holding your googles.

Kick the second you hit the water so you stay near the surface.

Swim on the outside, away from the sea wall. Current is strongest there.

The bike is Hilly and the road has some rough spots. You need to be aware of your surroundings. It's easy to get caught up on unexpected sights and end up on the ground.

I stayed within my power and HR zones. In other words, I raced within myself. There is a difference between flat and hilly courses. You need to pace accordingly.

PR’d the bike course. You see where I’m going with this 😉

Bike Race Tips

Spin easy for the first 5 minutes to get the blood flowing back into your legs after the swim.